She was also actively involved in a number of charities. Instead of merely writing checks, she had joined Catherine in donating to various shelters and children's homes. Her outfit, a soft coral dress, suited her slender figure perfectly.
"I know how busy you are." She gestured to the hovering waiter who brought her an iced tea. They were having lunch at one of Kelly Takahashi's plush restaurants with outdoor seating.
Turning to really study the younger woman's exquisite face and feeling the familiar tug of envy, she narrowed her eyes. "You look different."
"Oh?" Picking up her glass of water, Catherine took a careful sip. "Different how?"
Reaching for her own glass of water, Irene drank. "There's something--" She stopped and stared more closely. "Oh, my good Lord!" she whispered. "You're pregnant."
The thought of denying it sprang immediately to her mind, but her innate honesty and the fact that Irene had now gained the distinction of being a friend more than an in-law stopped her.
"You cannot tell anyone."
Irene's excitement was palpable. Impatiently waiting for the waiter to take their orders, she leaned forward, her eyes glowing with excitement. "How far along?"
"Two months and two weeks." Catherine laughed happily. "And there are complications."
"Complications?" Her burst of happiness was replaced with a frown.
"I cannot go into details right now, but it had to do with an accident I was involved in when I was a teenager. Your brother is quietly freaking out." She attacked her shrimp salad and prayed that the queasiness that had been plaguing her all morning would not have her rushing to the bathroom. So far, thepregnancy had been incident free. "He watches me like a hawk and is very careful around me. It's driving me insane."
"That's understandable." Irene had chosen the filet mignon. "We've been working closely over the past months, and he never said anything to me." She grimaced. "I think he believes I will go flying to our parents."
Catherine glanced at the other woman. "He doesn't want them to spoil the joy of the news. Especially considering the fact that I am being closely monitored. Dr. Wynter."
"Eric." Irene nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "I saw him a few days ago at a function. I used to have a huge crush on him."
"Really?" Catherine tilted her head and gave her sister-in-law a contemplative look. "He's single. I understand he went through a messy divorce."
Irene shot her a retiring look. "Which means that neither of us will want a repeat performance. I'm still going through mine."
"I thought it was already final."
"In another two weeks." She heaved a sigh. "Thank God. I have no idea what I ever saw in Charles."
"You were merely trying to please your parents."
Irene nodded. "And look where that got me," she said with a grimace. "Now back to your wonderful news. I'm going to be an aunt."
"Yes." Catherine's smile bloomed. "And I'm thinking positive thoughts. I'm driving my husband crazy with all the changes. We listen to classical music every night and I keep writing down baby names."
"How exciting." The wistfulness in Irene's voice couldn't be missed.
"You want children."
"It might be too late for me." She shrugged. "I often thought that if I could have a child, the horrible marriages would be worth it. Now, I'm not so sure. Bringing up a child in a loveless environment is the worst possible scenario. Dean and I are living proof of that." She smiled at Catherine.
"You've changed my brother for the better. He smiles more and is so happy, it's nauseating." She shook her head at Catherine's soft laughter. "I envy him. He has you to go home to, has an actual home. Not just a palatial structure. A home."
"We never had that growing up. When I look back on the lack of love and parental structure in our lives, I feel sad." Her smile came, banishing the bleak look on her face. "But your child will know different." Reaching across the table, she squeezed her sister-in-law's hand. "You've made a hell of a difference."
*****
She was still thinking about that when she got home that afternoon. Dean had called to say that he was hung up at some meetings and would be late.
"Please don't do anything strenuous. The housekeeper already has a meal prepared and everything is done. The only thing you need to do is have a lie down."
She had simply agreed with him. Over the last few weeks, she had discovered that it was the best approach to stop him from rushing home to ensure that his orders were obeyed. The man was a pain in the neck and determined to protect her at all costs.